Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 109176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
“On that note . . .” I turn on my heel, not even allowing them time to object before I give them my back, migrating toward the exit.
A few friends nod at me as I head out, but I give them my usual blank stare. Sure, they all think I’m an asshole, but it doesn’t matter. I need to get out of here.
I’m a few more steps toward the exit when I practically run into a disheveled Aiden and Cassidy.
No need to guess what they were just doing. The muscles around my heart contract for a beat, but I shake off the feeling. The only way to have something like Aiden and Cassidy is to let someone in. Letting someone in is not in the cards for me.
Cassidy says something to me, but I can’t make out her words. The music is too loud, and the people milling about are even louder.
Instead of responding, I grunt, nod, and keep walking.
I’m sure I’ll hear shit about it later from Aiden, but right now, I can’t find it in me to care.
I need air. I need to get the fuck out of here.
Finally, I make it to the back entrance. I push the door open, and the warm summer air slaps me in the face as soon as I do.
The Château is located on a small vineyard twenty miles outside of Redville, and it’s the perfect venue for a wedding or, in tonight’s case, a celebratory party.
Not only are there multiple restaurants and bars, but there’s also a hotel on the premises.
I walk around the back of the building until I’m on the main street that leads toward the hotel. It takes me about five more minutes, but then I’m standing in front of the large glass doors of the boutique hotel on the property, hoping this is the sanctuary I’ve been looking for.
This is what I need—somewhere to have a drink where no one will talk to me.
I’ll be able to let go a bit without anyone I know being around to judge me and, worse, wonder what’s wrong.
I open the door and meander down the hallway that leads to the lobby. Once there, I head to the hotel lounge, ready to let go for a few.
Sighing in contentment, I slink into the nearest seat and raise my hand. I’ve never been more ready for a drink.
4
JOSIE
Once I walk through the door, everything in my life will change.
I stand outside the address I was given, but my feet won’t move.
There’s no choice but to go—I promised my mom I would—but no matter how many times I tell myself to walk, I don’t.
I’m not ready.
The moment I cross the threshold, I won’t be able to pretend that my father simply doesn’t exist. The evidence that he didn’t want me will be thrust in front of my face.
With my body weighted in place, I allow myself to look around the property.
From the corner of my eye, I can see a beautiful building on top of a small hill. The valet mentioned that it was the vineyard’s boutique hotel.
The original game plan for today was that once I arrived in town, I’d head to the party, and from there, I’d get the keys to the small guesthouse on my father’s property. The thing is, I’m not mentally prepared to meet him, let alone crash at his house. The fact that my mother even thought this was a good plan should be criminal.
A tiny piece of paper with the name Robert and a number is all she gave me. Talk about walking into the unknown. I didn’t even have a last name to stalk him.
Not cool, Mom.
From where I’m standing, I can hear the loud music blaring inside the banquet hall. I have no idea what they’re celebrating, but lord, they’re having fun if the roars of laughter are any indicator. Then there’s the couple dancing in plain view from the large windows.
My stomach feels tight.
This is my father’s life.
All these years that I’ve been living with my mom, a woman who could barely make ends meet, a woman who had to work multiple jobs to pay the bill, and my father has been living a life of luxury.
I’ll never fit in.
I’m not like these people. They’ll take one look at me, and despite being put together, they won’t think I’m good enough.
Maybe I’m not.
Maybe that’s why he never came for me? None of that should matter now, but it does, because as I stand here by the door, it feels like a crossroads of life.
In one direction, the party . . . in the other, a hotel. An escape from reality for just a bit longer.
My body decides for me, and I find myself striding in the opposite direction of the party.
I take the winding street, and as I’m walking, I notice the vines are everywhere.